We're hiring Ward 7 Community Connectors

It’s been almost a year since we piloted our Ward 7 Community Connector program. Back then, I targeted my goals around a few questions:

Where do Ward 7 residents get their news?
What kinds of articles would they like to see in The 51st?
What issues are most important to you?
What stories are you, frankly, tired of hearing about?

We distributed a survey around these simple questions (the responses were enlightening), had one-on-one chats with residents across the ward, hosted and attended more than a dozen events, and produced articles specific to Ward 7 residents.

Now, we’re partnering with the Listening Post Collective to connect with even more neighbors to better understand what stories matter most to Ward 7. To support this work, we’re hiring two new Community Connectors who will support outreach, survey collection, and event participation to ensure Ward 7 residents’ voices shape The 51st’s reporting and programming.

The Ward 7 Community Connector role is public-facing and best suited for someone who knows the ward well, is comfortable engaging with people of all ages and backgrounds, and cares deeply about the community’s future. Connectors will receive training on survey facilitation, oral history methods, and ethics.

The Digital Ward 7 Community Connector will focus on online outreach — using social media, targeted ads, and online surveys to connect with residents, spark conversation, and encourage participation in listening sessions and events.

These are short-term contract positions, beginning in December 2025. Applications are due by 11:59 p.m., Friday, November 14, 2025.